Genetic risk for Alzheimer’s Disease in African and admixed African-American people
Official title: Characterizing the Genetic Risk for Alzheimer Disease in African and Admixed African-American Ancestries
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11595887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how genes contribute to Alzheimer's risk in people of African ancestry to improve understanding and potential future care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $51,905 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AG084545-03S5 |
| Project ID | NIH-11595887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals of African ancestry (including African and African American participants) who may join ongoing cohorts and follow-up visits related to Alzheimer's disease diversity studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without African or admixed African ancestry or those not eligible for the ongoing READD-ADSP cohorts may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will gather genetic data, blood biomarkers, and MRI information from thousands of individuals of African and admixed African-American backgrounds to understand why Alzheimer's risk differs across ancestries. It builds on the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project by adding about 9,000 new participants and longitudinal follow-up to see how risk factors and biomarkers relate to cognitive changes over time. By tracing whole genome sequencing, plasma biomarkers, and MRI results in diverse groups, the study aims to reveal ancestry-specific patterns that could guide personalized prevention and treatment in the future. The work includes collaboration with existing cohorts and plans for multi-year observation, enabling deeper insight into AD biology in underrepresented populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of genetic and biomarker differences across ancestries could lead to more accurate risk prediction and targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease in diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous projects within the ADSP have demonstrated the value of including diverse populations, with findings guiding further genetic and biomarker research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griswold, Anthony John — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Griswold, Anthony John
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.